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Smithey vs. Lodge Cast Iron: Is the Pricier Skillet Better?

Lodge is the best-selling cast iron cookware brand in America. It has been producing skillets in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, since 1896.

Smithey, an up-and-coming brand, has been crafting heirloom-quality cast iron skillets in Charleston, South Carolina, since 2015.

So which brand is better? Are Smithey skillets worth the higher price?

In this comparison of Lodge vs. Smithey, you’ll learn how their cast iron skillets differ in performance, design, weight, price, and more.

After rigorously testing both brands, I provide detailed insights to help you decide which cast iron skillet is best for you.

Key Takeaways

If you’re seriously considering Lodge or Smithey, I highly recommend reading this full comparison. It includes in-depth analysis, test results, and over a dozen side-by-side pictures. But if you only have a minute, here are the key takeaways.

Lodge Classic Lodge Chef Collection and Smithey cast iron skillets
Lodge Chef Collection left), Smithey (middle), Lodge Classic (right)

Collections: Smithey offers two main styles (Skillet and Chef Skillet) in sizes ranging from 6 to 14 inches. Lodge has a more extensive product line with three main collections (Classic, Chef Collection, and Blacklock) and sizes ranging from 3.5 to 15 inches.

Cooking Surface and Seasoning: Lodge skillets have a slightly rough, pebbly texture that holds seasoning better. Smithey smooths the cooking surface, but I found minimal difference in sticking during my tests. Lodge’s seasoning lasts longer, while Smithey’s seasoning can wear off more quickly, even after multiple rounds of seasoning.

Handle: Lodge offers three distinct handle designs across its collections, while Smithey has a more basic, uniform design. I personally prefer Smithey’s wider, flat handle.

Helper Handle: Lodge’s helper handles are more functional, with a generous opening. Smithey’s helper handle has circular holes that make the skillet lighter and allow you to hang it from a hook.

Bottom: Smithey has a heat ring that ensures the skillet sits flat on the cooktop, while Lodge skillets have a flat bottom. My tests showed that the heat ring has no negative impact on performance.

Pour Spouts: Smithey’s larger and deeper pour spouts allow for more precise pouring when pouring slowly, after the initial rush of liquid. Lodge’s pour spouts are smaller and more prone to spilling.

Performance: Despite the design differences (rough vs. smooth), the difference in real-world performance is minimal. Both sear, roast, and fry incredibly well.

Heat Conduction and Retention: My controlled experiments showed that Smithey skillets heat up slightly faster and retain heat better than Lodge. However, the difference is not significant in real-world cooking.

Price: Lodge offers more affordable cast iron cookware, with all 12-inch skillets priced under $100. Smithey skillets have a higher price tag due to their small-batch production and additional manufacturing steps like surface smoothing.

Should You Buy a Lodge or Smithey Skillet?

Ultimately, both Lodge and Smithey deliver high-quality cast iron skillets that will last a lifetime. If you want the best possible performance, heat retention, and design, and price is not a concern, Smithey is the clear winner. But if you’re looking to get the most for your money, Lodge is an excellent choice that offers unbeatable value without compromising performance.

Compare prices and read more reviews at Smithey.com and Amazon (Lodge).


Use the links below to navigate the comparison:


Comparison Chart

Lodge Classic 12 in.Lodge Chef Collection 12 in.Smithey No.12
Price$ (Amazon)$$ (Amazon)$$$$$ (Smithey)
Where It’s MadeSouth Pittsburg, TNSouth Pittsburg, TNCharleston, SC USA
MaterialsCast ironCast ironCast Iron
Total Diameter (in)121212
Diameter Flat (in)109.7510
Wall Height (in)2.21.92.3
Weight (lb)8.16.37.2
Thickness (mm)5.34.43.8
Handle Length (in)5.05.55.3
Heat RingNoNoYes
Interior TextureRoughRoughSmooth
Oven Safe Temp650°F650°FNot disclosed
Induction CompatibleYesYesYes
Time to Boil Water (m:ss)3:012:432:39
Water Temp (10 min)102°F100°F105°F

Collections

Smithey offers two main styles: the “Skillet” and the “Chef Skillet.” The Skillet has straighter walls, making it ideal for frying, roasting, and baking. The Chef Skillet is about a pound lighter and features more curved walls, perfect for sautéing, stir-frying, and flipping eggs.

Smithey No 12 Cast Iron Skillet
Smithey No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet

Smithey skillets are numbered based on their diameter from rim to rim, such as No. 8, No. 10, No. 11, and No. 12.

Lodge has a more extensive product line with three main collections: Classic, Chef Collection, and Blacklock.

Lodge Classic and Lodge Chef Collection Skillets
Lodge Classic (left) and Lodge Chef Collection (right)

The Classic collection is their traditional line, offering a wide range of sizes from 3.5 to 15 inches.

The Chef Collection is similar to Smithey’s Chef Skillets, featuring more sloped walls, a longer handle, and thinner walls (compared to Lodge Classic).

Blacklock is Lodge’s premium collection. It’s lighter and thinner than the Classic collection. For example, the 12-inch Blacklock skillet weighs 5.38 pounds, while the 12-inch Classic skillet weighs 8.1 pounds.

Blacklock skillets also have longer handles designed with a steeper angle to stay cooler, and they undergo triple-seasoning for superior non-stick performance.

One of the most significant differences between Lodge and Smithey is the variety of options. Lodge offers a wide range of sizes across its three collections, so you’ll have no problem finding the perfect skillet for your needs. Since Smithey is a newer and smaller company, its selection is more limited, with sizes ranging from 6 to 14 inches.

Cooking Surface and Seasoning

The texture of the cooking surface is one of the most significant differences between Lodge and Smithey skillets.

Lodge skillets have a slightly rough, pebbly texture. They’re not completely smooth like a stainless steel pan. Lodge claims that this rougher surface holds onto seasoning better, making the skillet more durable and resistant to wear.

Lodge cast iron rough texture
Lodge cast iron rough texture

Smithey goes the extra step of grinding, polishing, and smoothing the cooking surface after the skillets come out of the mold. They believe a smooth surface prevents food from sticking, making cooking and cleaning easier.

Smithey smooth cooking surface
Smithey smooth cooking surface

I tested these claims by preheating both skillets and greasing the surface with one teaspoon of oil and one teaspoon of butter before adding one egg. The eggs moved freely and didn’t stick to the Smithey or Lodge Classic skillets.

Smithey egg test
Smithey egg test
Lodge Classic egg test
Lodge Classic egg test

However, the egg stuck slightly to the Lodge Chef Collection skillet, and I had to nudge it with a spatula to detach it from the surface. Once I got it loose, it moved around smoothly.

Lodge Chef Collection egg test
Lodge Chef Collection egg test

While it’s true that eggs glide slightly faster and more freely on Smithey’s smooth surface, the difference is so minimal that it shouldn’t significantly impact your cooking experience. As long as you grease the surface and don’t overheat the pan, food won’t stick to either the Smithey or Lodge skillets.

One minor drawback of Lodge’s rough surface is that tiny paper fibers can get snagged and left behind when you dry the skillet with a paper towel. You can wipe these off, but it’s still annoying.

Paper towel fibers caught on rough surface of a Lodge skillet
Paper towel fibers caught on rough surface of a Lodge skillet

Lodge skillets come pre-seasoned with a durable, even coating with a dark hue. They use soy-based vegetable oil. In my experience, the seasoning on a Lodge skillet lasts longer than on a Smithey, and you’ll only need to re-season it once or twice a year to maintain its quality.

Smithey skillets also come pre-seasoned, but they use grapeseed oil, which gives the cookware a lighter bronze color.

Smithey cast iron blotchy seasoning
Smithey cast iron blotchy seasoning

In addition to the factory seasoning, I seasoned my Smithey skillet three times before using it. But because the smooth surface doesn’t allow the seasoning to adhere as well as it does on Lodge’s rougher texture, the seasoning gets blotchy and wears off when cooking on high heat. It takes months to develop a darker, more durable seasoning.

Handle

Lodge offers three distinct handle designs across their collections, while Smithey has a more basic, uniform design.

Smithey Lodge Classic and Lodge Chef Collection handles
Smithey (left), Lodge Classic (middle) and Lodge Chef Collection (right)

Lodge’s Classic handles start thin and get thicker as they extend from the pan. The handle is flat and parallel to the cooking surface, with a long, thin hanging loop. The sides of the handle are rounded for comfort.

Lodge Classic skillet handle
Lodge Classic skillet handle

Lodge’s Chef Collection handles are curved and angled slightly higher than the Classic handles. They’re also a bit longer (5.5 inches) than Classic’s (5 inches), so you can keep your hand further from the heat.

Lodge Chef Collection handle
Lodge Chef Collection handle

The Lodge Blacklock handle is designed with a split end that connects to the pan. The space between the two prongs of the split end allows heat from the cooktop to dissipate, preventing the handle from absorbing as much heat.

Lodge Classic vs Blacklock cast iron skillet
Lodge Classic vs Blacklock cast iron skillet

Smithey’s handles, while comfortable, have a simpler design. The handle on their 12-inch skillet is 5.3 inches long, flat, and features a circular hanging loop. The Smithey logo, a small Valley Quail, is engraved on the side of the handle just before it meets the pan.

Smithey cast iron skillet handle
Smithey cast iron skillet handle

Although both brands offer comfortable handles, I prefer Smithey’s design. The handle is wider throughout, and the flat design fits my hand more comfortably than Lodge’s rounded handles.

Holding Smithey cast iron skillet handle
Holding Smithey cast iron skillet handle

Helper Handle

The helper handle opposite the main handle is designed to provide extra support and stability when lifting or maneuvering the skillet.

Lodge’s helper handles are consistent across their collections. They all feature a trapezoid shape with a small opening. The word “LODGE” is engraved into the handle, adding a touch of brand recognition. The opening in the handle allows for a secure grip.

Smithey and Lodge helper handles
Smithey (left) and Lodge (right)

Smithey’s helper handle doesn’t have a loop or opening. Instead, it’s a small ledge with three circular holes. While the circles give the skillet a unique and attractive look, they also make it lighter, add texture to prevent your hand from slipping, and provide additional space to hang the pan.

Smithey helper handle
Smithey helper handle

Although I appreciate the aesthetic appeal of Smithey’s helper handle, Lodge’s design is more functional. They’re larger and the generous opening ensures your hand will never slip, even when wearing an oven mitt.

Bottom

Lodge skillets have a flat bottom with the logo engraved in the middle and a subtle rim engraved around the edge.

Bottom of Lodge and Smithey cast iron skillets
Bottom of Lodge and Smithey cast iron skillets

Smithey skillets have much more information engraved on the bottom. The size of the skillet is prominently displayed, such as “12” for a 12-inch skillet. The Smithey quail logo and the text “SMITHEY IRONWARE COMPANY” are also engraved, along with “USA MADE CHARLESTON SC,” emphasizing the brand’s American craftsmanship.

Bottom of Smithey cast iron skillet
Bottom of Smithey cast iron skillet

One notable feature of Smithey skillets is the heat ring around the bottom edge. According to Smithey, this heat ring ensures that the skillet sits perfectly flat on the cooktop, even if there are slight variations in the casting process. The heat ring is ground on a flat surface after casting to prevent wobbling when heated.

Heat ring on the bottom of a Smithey cast iron skillet
Heat ring on the bottom of a Smithey cast iron skillet

Although Lodge skillets don’t have a heat ring, I’ve been using them for years on gas, electric, and induction cooktops without any wobbling or warping issues.

I initially had concerns that Smithey’s heat ring might affect performance, especially on induction cooktops, since the middle of the skillet’s bottom doesn’t directly touch the cooktop surface. However, after lots of testing, I found that the heat ring has no negative impact.

To confirm this, I conducted a simple test by pouring 2 cups of 55°F water into the Smithey No. 12 skillet and the Lodge Classic and Chef Collection 12-inch skillets. I placed each skillet on the same induction burner and set the heat to 464°F.

Smithey induction cooktop test
Smithey induction cooktop test
Lodge Classic induction cooktop test
Lodge Classic induction cooktop test
Lodge Chef Collection induction cooktop test
Lodge Chef Collection induction cooktop test

All three skillets heated up without any issues. In fact, the Smithey skillet boiled the water the fastest in 2 minutes and 40 seconds. The Lodge Classic skillet boiled water in 2 minutes and 53 seconds. The water in the Lodge Chef Collection skillet came to a boil at the 2-minute and 59-second mark.

Despite the slight elevation caused by the heat ring, Smithey skillets heat evenly and efficiently on all cooktop types, including induction.

Pour Spout Test

Another important factor to consider when choosing a cast iron skillet is the design of the pour spouts. Lodge, Smithey, and many other brands feature pour spouts on both sides of the skillet, while some brands like Stargazer and Field Company have flared rims that allow you to pour liquids from any angle.

To test the effectiveness of Lodge and Smithey’s pour spouts, I conducted two tests similar to those in my comprehensive cast iron skillet comparison.

First, I poured 2 cups of water from each skillet into a glass to see which one could pour the most accurately without spilling. When I tipped the Lodge Classic skillet, some water spilled and dripped down the sides, as the pour spouts are relatively small.

Pouring water out of Lodge Classic
Pouring water out of Lodge Classic

The Lodge Chef Collection skillet has slightly larger pour spouts, but the water still spilled around the spouts.

Pouring water out of Lodge Chef Collection
Pouring water out of Lodge Chef Collection

Smithey has much larger and deeper pour spouts than Lodge. During the test, the initial rush of water caused some spilling, but as the skillet emptied and I poured more slowly, the water flowed more precisely. The deeper pour spouts on the Smithey skillet allowed for more accurate pouring once the initial rush of liquid passed.

Pouring water out of Smithey
Pouring water out of Smithey

In the second test, I used fat from ground beef instead of water to see which design resulted in the least dripping. Smithey and both Lodge skillets performed well with minimal dripping.

Beef fat dripping down the sides of Smithey cast iron skillet
Beef fat dripping down the sides of Smithey cast iron skillet
Beef fat dripping down the sides of Lodge Classic
Beef fat dripping down the sides of Lodge Classic
Beef fat dripping down the sides of Lodge Chef Collection
Beef fat dripping down the sides of Lodge Chef Collection

Performance

I’ve been cooking with Lodge for years and Smithey for several months, and they both perform as you’d expect high-quality cast iron to.

Both skillets heat up slowly but maintain a consistent temperature once preheated. Both provide incredible heat retention, which makes them the ideal skillets for steak, burgers, chicken, pork, salmon, and shrimp.

Cooking pork in Smithey cast iron skillet
Cooking pork in Smithey cast iron skillet
Cooking steak in Lodge Classic skillet
Cooking steak in Lodge Classic skillet

I also love using these skillets for baking because they maintain a consistent temperature. Whether making pizza, bread, or my favorite, cornbread, these skillets deliver a crispy, golden-brown crust on the bottom.

Cornbread cooked in a Lodge Classic skillet
Cornbread cooked in a Lodge Classic skillet
Bottom of cornbread cooked in a Lodge Classic skillet
Bottom of cornbread cooked in a Lodge Classic skillet

Another thing I appreciate about both my Lodge and Smithey skillets is that food doesn’t stick to the surface. As long as I’ve greased the skillet properly, I can cook eggs, pancakes, fish, and other delicate foods without issues.

Searing salmon in Lodge Classic skillet
Searing salmon in Lodge Classic skillet

There’s a lot of debate about smooth versus rough cast iron surfaces. But in my experience, the difference is minimal. Sure, the smoothness of my Smithey skillet feels nice to the touch, but when it comes down to it, both Lodge and Smithey can cook an egg without sticking.

If I had to give an advantage to one brand over the other, Lodge’s larger helper handles make it a bit easier to maneuver the skillet, especially when I’m wearing oven mitts. But Smithey’s pour spouts are slightly deeper, which helps direct liquid more precisely when I’m pouring.

Lodge and Smithey pour spouts
Lodge (left), Smithey (right)

At the end of the day, though, most cast iron brands, including Lodge and Smithey, excel at searing, baking, and frying. They’re all just a hunk of iron molded into slightly different shapes, so don’t expect wildly different results from one brand to the next.

Heat Conduction and Retention

In addition to my real-world testing in the kitchen, I conducted two controlled experiments with both Lodge and Smithey skillets to see which conducts and retains heat better.

Before I share the details of these tests, it’s important to know that when it comes to cast iron, heat retention is more important than heat conduction.

While all cast iron skillets take some time to heat up, you mainly use them because they stay piping hot when you place cold ingredients like steak, burgers, or chicken in the pan. This heat retention ensures even searing without significant heat loss. Thinner aluminum and stainless steel pans respond to temperature changes faster, but no cookware retains heat like cast iron.

That said, the first part of the test measures heat conduction. I poured two cups of cold (55°F) water into the Lodge Classic, Lodge Chef Collection, and Smithey No. 12 skillets. One by one, I placed them on the same electric burner and turned the heat to high.

Lodge Classic fully heated
Lodge Classic

The Smithey No. 12 skillet heated up the fastest, with the water coming to a full boil after 2 minutes and 39 seconds. The Lodge Chef Collection skillet came in second, boiling the water at the 2-minute and 43-second mark. The Lodge Classic skillet heated the slowest, with the water starting to boil after 3 minutes and 1 second.

After boiling the water, I removed each skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool. After 10 minutes, the water in the Smithey No. 12 skillet was 105°F, the water in the Lodge Classic skillet was 102°F, and the water in the Lodge Chef Collection skillet was 100°F.

Smithey heat retention test results after 10 minutes
Smithey heat retention test results after 10 minutes
Lodge Classic heat retention results after 10 minutes
Lodge Classic heat retention results after 10 minutes
Lodge Chef Collection heat retention results after 10 minutes
Lodge Chef Collection heat retention results after 10 minutes

The average heat retention score of the many cast iron skillets I’ve tested is around 100°F. So, the Lodge Chef Collection skillet’s heat retention is on par with most brands, Lodge Classic is slightly above average, and Smithey is well above average.

I conduct these tests with every cast iron skillet I review. Here are the results:

Cast Iron SkilletTime to Boil (m:ss)Water Temp (10 min)
Lodge Classic3:01102°F
Lodge Chef Collection2:43100°F
Smithey No.122:39105°F
Field Company No. 101:5495°F
Calphalon2:48100°F

Price

One of the most significant differences between Lodge and Smithey is their price. Despite Lodge’s long history and the fact that every skillet is made in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, the company offers some of the most affordable cast iron cookware on the market.

Lodge’s 12-inch skillets from all three collections—Classic, Chef, and Blacklock—are priced well under $100. The Classic is the most affordable, followed by the Chef Collection, and the Blacklock is their most premium and expensive line. Even Lodge’s most expensive 12-inch skillet is considerably less expensive than Smithey’s.

For example, the Smithey No. 12 skillet costs more than twice as much as the Lodge Blacklock 12-inch skillet.

One of the main reasons Lodge can keep their prices low is their scale. Founded in 1896, Lodge has become one of the best-selling cast iron brands in the United States. Their large-scale manufacturing process allows them to produce each skillet at a lower cost than small-batch producers like Smithey.

Additionally, Lodge doesn’t smooth the cooking surface of its skillets, which helps reduce its production costs. Smithey, on the other hand, takes the extra step of machining and polishing the cooking surface of its skillets, contributing to its higher price point.

To compare current prices and find the best deals on Lodge and Smithey skillets in all sizes, check out Lodge on Amazon and visit Smithey.com to explore Smithey’s lineup.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Lodge or Smithey Cast Iron Skillet?

So after all that, which brand should you buy? If price is not a factor, Smithey is the clear winner.

In my guide to the best cast iron skillets, I named Smithey the best overall. Its ultra-smooth interior, superior heat retention, comfortable handle, and subtle design elements (like the three holes in the helper handle) make it stand out from the competition. The larger and deeper pour spouts also allow for more precise pouring when you pour slowly.

While Lodge skillets are more affordable and offer unbeatable value, Smithey’s premium features and craftsmanship justify the higher price point, especially when you consider cast iron cookware can last a lifetime.

If you’re on a budget or prefer a rougher surface that holds onto seasoning better, Lodge is still an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for the best possible performance and design, and price is not a concern, Smithey is the way to go.

Check the current prices, read reviews, and learn more about Smithey at Smithey.com and Lodge on Amazon.

Andrew Palermo Founder of Prudent Reviews

Andrew Palermo - About the Author

Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. He began his career in marketing, managing campaigns for dozens of Fortune 500 brands. In 2018, Andrew founded Prudent Reviews and has since reviewed 600+ products. When he’s not testing the latest cookware, kitchen knives, and appliances, he’s spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Connect with Andrew via emailLinkedIn, or the Prudent Reviews YouTube channel.

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